I spent most of my childhood in Burley, ID. It was a good place
to grow up. I have seen so much good in the people that live here. There are so
many of you who make me want to be a better person because of your actions.
However, I have also seen a lot of the hurtful, negative things that people are
capable of. One of the things that hurts me the most is seeing people attack my
family—specifically my Dad. I’m not talking about disagreeing with his
opinions, but mean-spirited attacks on who he is as a person.
The purpose of this article is to remind each of you that
there is good in everyone and that we find the most happiness by choosing to
see the strengths in those around us rather than only their weaknesses. Many of
you may disagree with my dad—fine. That is your right. However, I refuse to
continue sitting in silence as one of the people who I love the most in this
world is vilified. I plan on sharing just two examples of things that I have
learned from my Dad so each of you can see at least a glimpse of the man who I
am so blessed to call my father.
My dad taught me how to express love to others. One of my
dad’s strengths is showing affection through hugs and a simple, “I love you.” I
have never doubted that my dad loves me, and that knowledge has helped me through
many different hard times. Because I know how much of a difference this has
made in my own life, I always make an effort to outwardly express my love for
the people in my life.
Every time I am tempted to ignore someone’s need because
helping them would be inconvenient for me, I remember my dad waking up early
what seemed like every Sunday morning all winter long to hook up a snow plow to
his four-wheeler and plow the driveways and sidewalks for everyone in the
neighborhood. Whenever I am tempted to give less than my best effort, I
remember how my dad would then drive to the church building and plow the
sidewalks and parking lot before church started. When I have finished an act of
service and am tempted to say that my quota is filled for the next month, I
think of how my dad would continue waking up early to plow for the entire
winter. He has done this every winter for years. I hope to one day be able to
serve with such selfless love as my dad.
If you only remember one thing from this article, I hope it is
the reminder that every person you meet has strengths, whether you choose to
see them or not. Each person has loved ones who are impacted for better or for
worse by everything you say or write. I have shared with you a two small
examples of the legacy that my dad is leaving behind for me. Please remember
that each of us continually shapes the legacy that we will someday leave behind
by our daily actions and interactions with those around us. I personally desire
to be remembered for building others up rather than tearing others down. And I
am grateful for a loving father who has helped me to believe in myself and
taught me through example how to be a better person. I will never be able to
list all of the things that I have learned from my dad. Perhaps the best way to
express everything that I feel towards my dad is to simply say, “I love you,
Dad.”
